I have acquired a copy of my father's birth certificate from the comune in Gaeta, Italy where he was born. They sent me a xerox copy. Does anyone know if this will be acceptable or if an official (i.e. more formal) copy is needed when applying for dual citizenship? I will be applying at the Italian Consulate in Miami, Florida.

When I paid someone to get birth and marriage certs from a comune in Sicily, I was mailed what looked like photocopies with an official stamp and signature, but, I could have been forgiven if I thought they were just xerox copies. In other words, don't sweat it...

Okay, on the Italian Consulate of Miami website, it does state that you need official documents, not xeroxed copies of birth, marriage, etc. certificates from Italy. The consulate will not accept copies of these records.

Also, I finally paid the $2.49/minute charge (it only takes about five minutes) to set up an appointment and they gave me a date in 2015...20 months away! I guess I have plenty of time to get all of the necessary documents together.

I am trying to get official copy of documents needed to obtain second citizenship in Italy via my grandparents. Since I was born before 1948 I have to use the paternal side. I only have so far the naturalization document but it is a copy of the original. I think I therefore need an official copy of his birth certificate from 1888, Salerno, It. I think it was the city and not only the larger region. What is best way to obtain? Can one get an official naturalization document from US gov't? Grazie per aiutarmi!

As far as the birth certificate from Salerno, you have to write to the commune where your grandfather was born and request an official certificate, not a xerox copy. I sent two letters via snail mail and never heard back, but when I found the email address of the commune where my father was born, I sent an email and heard back within a week.I wish you the best!